Biz Buzz

May 18, 2008

HARTFORD

Energy Symposium: Due to the urgency of climate change and its potential impact on the world's future, the energy symposium, Energy's Future: Energy Supply and Climate Change, recently was held at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute/Hartford and was hosted by the RPI Hartford Alumni Association.

The symposium was attended by numerous firms involved in development of new energy systems such as NU, Westinghouse, Alstom, UTC, and others, including ENECO Texas of West Simsbury. ENECO's president, Alfred L.Weisbrich, presented on the patently distinctive modular WARP (Wind Amplifier Rotor Platform) advanced wind power technology. WARP units with over 10 megawatt (10,000 kilowatt) capacity capability were described. WARP's highly versatile modular architectural design was shown as suitable not only for isolated wind farm type power plants, but also for community use in lower wind sites. It was described to be economically sited in deep water, offshore at sea and out of public view and concern.

MS Events: Murtha Cullina LLP continues to show its support in helping to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to fielding a team of over 25 riders in this year's MS bkm/Steelcase Ride 2008, Murtha Cullina will hold a benefit concert on Thursday, May 22 to support the efforts of Team Murtha.

The benefit concert will be held at The Main Pub in Manchester, beginning at 7 p.m., featuring musician Jennifer Taylor and her band Sweet, along with Mark Mirando, an employee of the firm. This year will mark the 27th anniversary of the MS Bike Tour.

On Sunday, June 1, members of the Murtha Cullina team will once again lace up their cycling shoes to raise money to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Everett Newton, captain of Team Murtha, said, "This ride is one of the most important and personally satisfying things we can do to fight -- and defeat-- MS."

Open House Day: The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism hosts the Connecticut Open House Day, Saturday, June 14 - a great way for residents to discover or rediscover all that is happening in our state. We hope that once Connecticut residents learn about the wealth of treasures in our own backyard, they will share their newly gained appreciation and enthusiasm with visiting family and friends and become Connecticut ambassadors. Learn more about how to become a participating property by visiting www.cultureandtourism.org or call 860-256-2800.

Advocate Of The Year: The 4th annual MERG exhibit and Gala at the Connecticut State Capitol Building honored Harland Henry of the Secretary of the State's office as the Micro Enterprise Advocate of the Year.

He was honored at a recent MERG Recognition Gala. A reception was held with over 150 legislators, business owners and supporters of MERG in attendance.

Henry is manager of the Small & Minority Business Services Unit. He has created and launched the Small & Minority Business Showcase, which is a program designed to improve the economic development of small and micro businesses within Connecticut's cities. In addition to the showcase activities, Henry has planned and coordinated numerous business seminars, forums, and international trade seminars aimed at improving the economic and community development of Connecticut's urban areas.

The purpose of the MERG Recognition Gala is to celebrate the importance, accomplishments and economic contributions of Connecticut's small and micro business owners. These micro-businesses (numbering 320,000 with under 10 employees) generate more than $15 billion in sales and pay over $430 million in state taxes. These micro businesses comprise the largest employment sector in the state.

WEST HARTFORD

Wedding Photojournalist: Jane Shauck is ranked first among wedding photojournalists in the state of Connecticut and 20th in the world for 2007. She has been a photojournalist for the Associated Press, a portrait photographer for HOUR magazine, and a commercial photographer for Fortune 500 companies. Jane has been published worldwide in magazines including Time Magazine and the 2008 spring/summer issue of Connecticut Bride.

Silent auction: Always willing to support a worthy cause, ERA Broder Group Real Estate is lending a hand to help combat neuromuscular disease by sponsoring a Silent Auction at their Open House Extravaganza in several offices, including West Hartford, Newington, Windsor, and Hartford today from 1 - 3 p.m. to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

One hundred percent of all proceeds to be donated to the MDA.

"We are very excited about sponsoring this Open House Extravaganza Silent Auction, as it is just one more way that we can show our support for MDA and the important work it does for those with neuromuscular diseases," said Angela Avanti, Sales Manager. "Every contribution, no matter how small, can make all the difference in helping researchers to find a cure. "